Dataline & Research Technologies has a small equity base of Rs 6.76 crore, while reserves are at a comfortable Rs 16.72 crore (as on January 1998). However, a closer look reveals that the profit andloss account surplus last year stood at a negative Rs 22.19 crore. It was the share premium reserve of Rs 38.71 crore that provided the cushion. Company officials say 1997-98 was a good year for the company and they hope to stage a turnaround.

In fiscal 1996-97, Dataline & Research Technologies had incurred a net loss of Rs 31 crore on a turnover of Rs 7 crore. Industry sources say Dataline Research has streamlined operations. The company is also rumoured to have sold its assets in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai.

The company offers online information dissemination services -- databases on a variety of subjects like corporate data, legal cases and medical studies. Dataline & Research Technologies also sells investment-related softwares like IDSS, Metastock and Trader Workstation 2000.

In fiscal 1997-98, the company began providing some value-added services to improve its profitability margins. Internet service is one such area where the company has made a foray. Sources say Dataline & ResearchTechnologies is looking at targeting a niche market for applications in areas like live news coverage and stock exchange information on the information superhighway.